How to Treat Acid Reflux With Apples

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SUSAN KAYE Last Updated: Jul 26, 2013

Susan Kaye

Susan Kaye writes about alternative health care, the medicinal value of foods and natural remedies for healing body, mind and spirit. She is currently retired from an active classical homeopathy practice and enjoys sharing her passion for alternative medicine in her writing with those seeking health care freedom.

Sweet apples help to reduce the stomach acid characteristic of GERD.Photo Credit apples image by Maria Brzostowska from <a href="http://www.fotolia.com">Fotolia.com</a>

Acid reflux occurs when the esophageal sphincter connecting the esophagus to the stomach does not function properly, allowing stomach digest to move backward into the esophagus and exposing it to stomach acids. This causes the burning pains known as heartburn. Apples can be used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), preventing painful acid from backing up into the esophagus and helping the esophageal sphincter heal. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines may give temporary relief of symptoms, but can also cause unpleasant side effects, and do not resolve the problem permanently. Here's how to use apples to treat acid reflux.

How to Cure Acid Reflux With Apples

Step 1

Buy organic apples that are sweeter rather than the tart Granny Smiths. Red or Golden Delicious or Braeburn are great to use for reducing acid reflux symptoms.

Apples work to reduce symptoms of GERD because they create an alkaline state in the stomach, neutralizing excess acids and aiding in digestion.

Step 2

Eat half an apple after each meal to help prevent onset of reflux and to alkalinize stomach acids. Adjust the amount of apple eaten according to how you respond. Also eat an apple as a midafternoon snack.

Step 3

If you experience heartburn at bed time or during the night, eat half an apple before retiring.

Step 4

Add either raw organic honey or black strap molasses to your apple snack. Either dip the apple in the sweet goo or just place a teaspoon of honey or molasses directly into your mouth. Both honey and molasses are high in potassium and create an alkaline environment in the body contributing to the power of the apple to reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

Step 5

For variety, use a power juicer to make your own fresh, organic apple juice. Core the apple and use the rest--including peel--to make the juice. Raw juices are exceptionally good for the body and assist in the alkalinization process. Drop in a dollop of raw honey while juicing for some extra sweetness and to further reduce symptoms.

Acid Reflux Center Guide

Jonathan E. Aviv, M.D., FACS

Jonathan Aviv, M.D., is the clinical director of the Voice and Swallowing Center, ENT and Allergy Associates, and clinical professor of Otolaryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is a former professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. He invented a medical device (FEESST) and authored 63 peer-reviewed articles as well as the book “Killing Me Softly From Inside.”